Matt Bruskotter
Indianapolis
Summary
Senior executive with strategic leadership experience in comprehensive, organization-wide safety, security, and emergency management operations. Successful at changing safety and security cultures for large scale entertainment venues, universities, public agencies, and private industry across the nation. Knowledgeable in federal and state regulations, experienced in risk analysis and compliance, and delivering training programs to ensure organizational safety, security, and preparedness. Skilled in cultivating strategic partnerships with internal and external partners to reduce incidents and improve reporting resulting in actionable data to achieve measurable incident prevention goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Event Operations
Indiana State Fair
05.2019 - Current
- Oversee safety, security, parking, and event management for the Indiana State Fair and over 400 events throughout the year. Fostered relationships with public safety and municipal agencies.
- Developed and implemented new safety protocols, enhancing security for all events.
- Conducted inspections to ensure compliance with regulations, fire and building codes, and internal policies.
- Delivered OSHA training, ensuring workplace safety compliance.
- Professionalized Parking and Gates Department, rebuilt team to focus on a culture of guest experience, reduced traffic congestion through use of equipment, manpower, and analysis of traffic patterns.
- Serves as Incident Commander for emergencies occurring on the property.
Director of Safety and Security
Indiana State Fair
03.2017 - 05.2019
- Oversaw safety and security for a 250-acre campus hosting over 400 events annually, including the Indiana State Fair with over 850,000 attendees. Strengthened partnerships with local and state agencies, including Indiana State Police and Indianapolis Fire Department. Fostered relationships with federal agencies like the FBI and Department of Homeland Security for enhanced security measures.
- Rebuilt department credibility through professionalism, collaboration and transparency, engaging internal and external stakeholders effectively. Revamped policies and procedures to improve emergency response and public safety operations.
- Repaired relationships to prevent a breakdown from key public safety partners crucial to the organization’s ability to host events and the State Fair.
- Developed and implemented new technologies including metal detectors, new security camera systems, severe weather management for outdoor events, and incident management and tracking software to deliver actionable data allowing the team to be more efficient at preventing incidents.
- Led diverse teams to adapt to dynamic safety challenges weekly.
- Improved safety and security awareness through enhanced stakeholder communication and empowerment to support shared safety objectives.
- Served as Incident Commander for emergencies occurring on the property.
Assistant Dean
The University of Findlay
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Oversaw management and implementation of safety, security, and emergency policies.
- Directed operations and budget of safety and security departments. Served as Incident Commander, maintaining crisis response and business continuity plans.
- Communicated safety policies and conducted incident investigations with various stakeholders. Performed audits addressing safety and security issues.
- Secured Board approval for establishing the institution's first Police Department. Liaised with external agencies including local police and FBI.
- Introduced new technology and software in the security department to modernize the operation.
- Won over $200,000 in grant funding for development and implementation of investigation and support programs for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking from the U.S. Department of Justice. Also spearheaded the effort to develop and implement the program, trained the investigators, and managed investigations.
- Developed training programs for faculty and staff, residence life staff, and student organizations on topics including safe work practices, personal security, and response to emergencies. This improved reporting of safety and security issues by 12% in the first year of implementation.
- Established a behavioral intervention team and protocol to identify individuals who may be on a path to targeted violence towards the school and its students.
- Built strong support among national and international student constituencies and faculty on campus to establish a police department at a time of newly emerging acrimonious attitudes towards police officers on college and university campuses.
Program Manager
The University of Findlay
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Designed and managed consulting and training programs for a nationwide client list including Roadway Express, Inc, ABC News, and Ford Motor Company.
- Conducted full-scale training exercises for public and private agencies.
- Oversaw University emergency management systems, provided training, and served as Incident Commander.
- Collaborated with University executive leadership to develop new safety and emergency management policies, including developing the Crisis Response Plan. Audited safety, security, and emergency management systems for public schools and universities.
- Won grant funding for training programs for first responders across the state of Ohio exceeding $250,000 annually for four years.
- Conducted comprehensive safety and security audits for Big 10 Universities that resulted in significant changes to response polices and game day security functions.
- Led full-scale training exercises for first response agencies at the local, county, and state level.
Project Manager
The University of Findlay
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Oversaw multiple training programs, including nationwide spill response and state grant-funded initiatives for first responders.
- Collaborated with the Risk Management Committee to identify and mitigate institutional risks related to safety and hazardous waste.
- Developed and managed emergency management systems and plans, including an emergency operations center and responder training.
- Acted as Incident Commander during emergencies.
- Secured grant funding to support training operations and material development.
- Delivered training on safety, security, and emergency response to diverse clients.
Education
M.S. Degree - Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Management
The University of Findlay
B.S. Degree - Environmental and Hazardous Materials Management
The University of Findlay
Skills
- OSHA Compliance
- Security Management
- Emergency Management
- Organization-wide Programs
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Training Development
- Relationship Building
Timeline
Senior Director of Event Operations
Indiana State Fair
05.2019 - Current
Director of Safety and Security
Indiana State Fair
03.2017 - 05.2019
Assistant Dean
The University of Findlay
01.2013 - 01.2017
Program Manager
The University of Findlay
01.2006 - 01.2013
Project Manager
The University of Findlay
01.2001 - 01.2006
B.S. Degree - Environmental and Hazardous Materials Management
The University of Findlay
M.S. Degree - Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Management
The University of Findlay